The Silverfish Menace: Protecting Books and Paper Documents

Silverfish, small wingless insects, pose a significant threat to archived documents. These pests thrive in dark, damp environments and have a particular appetite for starchy materials, making paper, book bindings, and even photographs prime targets. As they feed, silverfish leave behind tiny holes, yellow stains, and shed scales, which can damage valuable historical records.

How Silverfish Damage Documents

1. Feeding Habits: Silverfish consume materials containing polysaccharides, such as cellulose in paper, glue in book bindings, and coatings on photographs. Their feeding results in irregular holes and etchings on documents.
2. Staining: The insects' excrement and body oils can cause yellowish stains on paper, which are difficult, if not impossible, to remove.
3. Shedding: Silverfish molt throughout their lives, leaving behind scales that can contaminate and further degrade paper materials.
4. Nesting: Silverfish often nest in and around document storage areas, increasing the risk of extensive infestations and widespread damage.

Preventive Measures

To protect archived documents from silverfish damage, consider the following preventive measures:

1. Climate Control Monitor and manage conditions, especially during humid seasons or when facilities are not being used like summer breaks.
2. Sealed Storage: Store documents in airtight, acid-free containers or boxes to create a barrier against pests.
3. Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections for signs of silverfish, such as tiny holes, yellow stains, or shed scales. Early detection is key to preventing extensive damage.
4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Implement an IPM approach that includes monitoring, cleaning, and, if necessary, using safe insecticides to control infestations.

When all preventive measures have failed, and silverfish or other pests have damaged your archived documents, Polygon offers comprehensive document recovery services. Using sub-zero freezing cycles, we ensure the complete elimination of pests. This non-invasive, natural process protects your valuable records from further harm. Afterward, our trained technicians meticulously clean each page, removing any remnants of shedding or nesting. Our specialists work to recover the documents to their best possible condition and halt any ongoing damage. To preserve your materials permanently, we also offer digitization services, allowing you to access the content without disturbing the already compromised physical documents.

Silverfish can cause severe damage to archived documents, compromising their historical and informational value. Seasonal changes, water leaks, and poor environmental conditions create ideal habitats for these persistent pests. To prevent infestations, Polygon provides tailored climate control solutions, including moisture sensors, dehumidifiers, and real-time monitoring, which help manage the environmental conditions that attract silverfish. By leveraging Polygon’s expertise, you can protect your archived materials from these and other environmental threats, ensuring their long-term preservation.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help prevent, repair, or protect from damage.